Getting My Most Important Relationship Right May 4

What do you think? Why do people study about their genealogy? We are all interested in our relations … – Today we look at our relationship to God – Relating rightly to God is the first step to relating rightly with everyone else

Listen for verbs that tell us what we are to do Proverbs 3:5-8 (NIV) Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; [6] in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. [7] Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. [8] This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.

Trust in God What were the verbs in the passage that instruct us what to do? What are some problems that result when you rely or lean on your own understanding? What are some things that hinder us from acknowledging God as the authority in our lives? How can we overcome such attitudes?

Trust in God What do you think it means to trust the Lord “with all your heart”? How can you “trust” the Lord and “fear” Him at the same time? What is the promise to us if we follow these instructions?

Trust in God What do you think it means, to "make your paths straight"? What choices and actions must we pursue to “shun” or turn away from evil? Why is “turning away” from evil both a one- time thing and a daily priority?

Listen for the value of wisdom. Proverbs 3:13-18 (NIV) Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding, [14] for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. [15] She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her

Listen for the value of wisdom. [16] Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. [17] Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. [18] She is a tree of life to those who embrace her; those who lay hold of her will be blessed.

Discover God’s Wisdom How did Solomon describe wisdom and its benefits? So if wisdom is so valuable and beneficial, why would someone reject God’s wisdom? Then where are the wrong places that people go looking for what they think is wisdom?

Discover God’s Wisdom Why does being joyful as the result of God’s wisdom not mean that things will always go well? How could you have joy when your life falls apart? What relationship exists between knowing God’s Word and discovering God’s wisdom? So why do you think Solomon said that having wisdom is more profitable and precious than gold or silver or fine jewels?

Choose God’s Ways Why are we sometimes tempted to envy misbehavers? Listen for warnings against following the ways of the wicked.

Proverbs 3:31-35 (NIV) Do not envy a violent man or choose any of his ways, [32] for the Lord detests a perverse man but takes the upright into his confidence. [33] The Lord's curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the righteous. [34] He mocks proud mockers but gives grace to the humble. [35] The wise inherit honor, but fools he holds up to shame.

Choose God’s Ways How does envying the success of those who are not following God affect our own relationship with God? According to this passage, why shouldn’t we envy a violent person?

Choose God’s Ways Note the couplets in the verses … what are the contrasts? We are told not to choose the ways of the violent. What would it mean to choose God’s ways? What do we do if we choose His ways? God’s JudgmentGod’s Blessing

Application Trusting God completely is key to being in right relationship with Him – Your own personal wisdom is not reliable – The Lord can be trusted to direct us and provide all our needs – Tell God this week you are depending on Him … watch for His guidance to be demonstrated

Application Finding God’s wisdom brings true happiness that is found only by being in right relationship with God – God’s wisdom is of incomparable value – Search for God’s wisdom daily in His Word

Application The Lord detests those who do evil – He blesses those who are humble and upright before Him – Be wise in the ways of the Lord … stay focused on Him – Talk to God about your struggles and temptations – Thank Him for His help and His blessings on your life

Getting My Most Important Relationship Right May 4